Despite two losses this season, Alabama is fighting hard to stay in contention for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
The Crimson Tideās most recent effort – a commanding 34-0 shutout victory over Missouri last Saturday – was much-needed as Kalen DeBoer’s team tries to keep their title dreams alive.
Realistically, Alabama will have to run the table to feel strong about their playoff chances.
Interestingly, ESPN’s latest projections have the Tide OUT of the playoffs as things currently stand.
ESPN places DeBoer’s team just outside the top 12 in the “first four out,” alongside Notre Dame, Iowa State, and Kansas State.
Alabama Crimson Tide (6-2)
Best win: Sept. 28 vs. Georgia, 41-34
Toughest remaining game: Nov. 9 at LSU
“This is the first time a two-loss team has crept into this category, but (1) more teams have two losses, and (2) Alabama finally put together an impressive performance against a decent Missouri team. The Nov. 9 trip to LSU is the best remaining chance to impress the committee.” -ESPN
Sure enough, the Crimson Tideās next big test comes on November 9 in a primetime showdown against LSU in Baton Rouge.
With both teams holding two losses, this matchup is widely seen as a must-win for each.
If Alabama can beat LSU on the road, the schedule lightens slightly for their final three games. Yet, even with a perfect finish, the Tide may still need a bit of luck from other top teams faltering ahead of them.
Kickoff for the high-stakes Alabama-LSU clash is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on November 9, a game that could very well determine whether Alabamaās playoff ambitions remain within reach.
Fortunately for the Tide, they are off this week, so they have extra time to rest up and prepare for the rivalry clash against the Tigers.
While the season hasn’t gone as smoothly as many had expected, the fact of the matter is Alabama still has a heartbeat.
When it’s all said and done, do you think DeBoer and the Tide will make the playoffs???
